The Big Dig

Series produced by GBH News

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Image by: GBH News  

There is a cynicism that hangs over the topic of American infrastructure – whether it’s high-speed rail or off-shore wind – it feels like this country can’t build big things anymore. No one project embodies that cynicism quite like what Bostonians call ‘The Big Dig.’ But now, decades later the story looks more complicated. So how did the narrative around this project go so horribly wrong? And what lessons can it offer for the ambitious projects of today?

There is a cynicism that hangs over the topic of American infrastructure – whether it’s high-speed rail or off-shore wind – it feels like this country can’t build big things anymore. No one project embodies that cynicism quite like what Bostonians call ‘The Big Dig.’ Infamous for its ever-increasing price tag, this massive highway tunneling effort was once ridiculed as the Big Mess, the Big Hole, the Big Pig, the Big Lie. But now, decades later the story looks more complicated. So how did the narrative around this project go so horribly wrong? And what lessons can it offer for the ambitious projects of today? The nine episode series is produced by GBH News and hosted by Ian Coss.


2 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
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In the early 1970s a radical idea took shape: tearing down Boston’s elevated downtown highway, and rebuilding it underground.

  • Added: Nov 21, 2023
  • Length: 53:57
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There is a strange irony behind the Big Dig: the most expensive highway project ever built in America began with a man who hated highways.

  • Added: Nov 21, 2023
  • Length: 53:57